pears to have been the true one, was his having imprudently exceeded his powers and instructions, by making engagements with M. du Coudray, a very distinguished engineer, and with many other French officers, of such a nature that the congress were unable to fulfil them; and therefore thought it necessary, in their own justification, to manifest in this way their disapprobation of that part of his conduct. He soon after returned to America,

The second volume of Biographical, Literary, and Political Anecdotes, &c. printed for Longman & Co. in 1797, contains an account of Dr. Franklin's life, in which, at p. 337, is the following statement, viz. "Mr. Silas Deaue, and Dr. Bancroft, who was Secretary to the American Embassy at Paris, were accused of gambling in the English funds. Bancroft was dismissed, and though Franklin interposed in behalf of Deane, and made himself some enemies by it in America, yet he could not prevent Deane's being recalled." Truth impels the Editor here to say, that this assertion is groundless-that Deane could not have been recalled in consequence of the charge here mentioned, none such having been made, much less acted upon by congress; and his recal, from the motives already mentioned, was so sudden and unexpected, that it would have been impossible for Dr. Franklin to interfere, had he been desirous of doing so-and in regard to Dr. Bancroft, he did not hold any appointment from congress, and the Editor with confidenee asserts he was never dismissed from any, by that, or any other body, or authority. Equally groundless is the account, in the same volume, of Dr. Franklin's having sent Mr. Thornton to London to negotiate an exchange of prisoners with Lord North. The person who assumed that name, was, not as is pretended, "an American Gentleman," nor was he ever employed by Dr. Franklin for any purpose whatever.

with M. Gerard, who was appointed to reside in the United States, as minister plenipotentiary from his most Christian Majesty. They both embarked at Toulon on board the Languedoc of 100 guns, which carried the flag of Count d'Estaing; but this was done privately, that the Count's destination might not be known.

Hostilities now commenced between Great Britain and France; and the American commissioners plenipotentiary were immediately presented at court in their public character, with the accustomed forms, and were very graciously received by the king and all the royal family.

A French historian, M. Hilliard D'Auberteuil, thus notices Dr. Franklin's first appearance at the court of Versailles.

“Dr. Franklin at length had an interview with his most Christian Majesty: he was presented to him in the gallery of Versailles, by the Count de Vergennes, minister for foreign affairs. On this occasion he was accompanied and followed by a great number of Americans, and individuals of foreign states, who were collected together by curiosity. His age, his venerable appearance, the simplicity of his dress on such an occasion, every thing that was either singular or respectable in the life of this American, contributed to augment the public attention. Clapping of hands, and a variety of other demonstrations of joy, announced that

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warmth of affection, of which the French are more susceptible than any other people, and of which their politeness and civility augments the charm to him who is the object of it.

"His majesty addressed him as follows:

“You may assure the United States of America of my friendship: I beg leave also to observe, that I am exceedingly satisfied in particular with your own conduct, during your residence in my kingdom.' When the new ambassador, after this audience, crossed the court, in order to repair to the office of the minister of foreign affairs, the multitude waited for him in the passage, and hailed him with their acclamations."

Dr. Franklin was undoubtedly the fittest person that could have been found for rendering essential services to the United States at the court of France. He was well known as a philosopher throughout all Europe, and his character was held in the highest estimation. In France he was received with the greatest marks of respect by all the literary characters; and this was extended amongst all classes of men, and particularly at the court. His personal influence was hence very considerable. To the effects of this were added those of various writings which he published, tending to establish the credit and character of the United States; and to his exertions in this way may in no small degree be ascribed, not only the free gifts

obtained from the French government, but also the loans negotiated in Holland, which greatly contributed to bring the war to a favorable conclusion, and the establishment of American independence.

During the progress of these transactions at the court of France, Dr. Franklin had received from congress their commission to negotiate a treaty of friendship and commerce with the court of Spain. On this occasion he waited on Count d'Aranda, the Spanish ambassador at Paris, and left with him a copy of his commission; and some time after addressed to him the following letter.

TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE COUNT D'ARANDA,

SIR,

&c. &c.

Passy, April 7, 1777. I left in your excellency's hands, to be communicated, if you please, to your court, a duplicate of the commission from the congress, ap, pointing me to go to Spain as their minister plenipotentiary. But as I understand that the receiving such a minister is not at present thought convenient, and I am sure the congress would have nothing done that might incommode in the least a court they so much respect, I shall therefore postpone that journey till circumstances may make it more suitable. In the mean time, I beg leave to lay before his Catholic Majesty, through the hands your excellency, the propositions contained in a

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resolution of congress, dated December 30, 1776, viz.:

"That if his Catholic Majesty will join with the United States in a war against Great Britain, they will assist in reducing to the possession of Spain the town and harbor of Pansacola; provided the inhabitants of the United States shall have the free navigation of the Mississippi, and the use of the harbor of Pensacola; and will, (provided it shall be true that his Portuguese Majesty has insultingly expelled the vessels of these states from his ports, or has confiscated any such vessels,) declare war against the said king, if that measure shall be agreeable to, and supported by, the courts of France and Spain."

It is understood that the strictest union subsists between these two courts; and in case Spain and France should think fit to attempt the conquest of the English sugar islands, the congress have further proposed to furnish provisions to the amount of two millions of dollars, and to join the fleet employed on the occasion, with six frigates of not less than 24 guns each, manned and fitted for service; and to render any other assistance which may be in their power, as becomes good allies; without desiring for themselves the possession of any of the said islands.

These propositions are subject to discussion, and to receive such modification as may be found proper.